News

Tri for Fun returns to Shadow Cliffs today

Annual triathlon series back for 28th year

Triathletes complete the final leg of a Tri for Fun event last year at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park. (Photo by Jonathan Lance/On Your Mark Events)

Roughly 700 athletes of all experience levels are expected to be on hand Saturday for the first Tri for Fun triathlon event of the annual series put on by On Your Mark Events at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park in Pleasanton.

The series, now in its 28th year, offers three shorter, non-competitive triathlons during the next three months leading up to the Tri for Real competitive triathlon in September.

"We have made so many wonderful friends through the years because of the Tri For Fun," On Your Mark Events co-principal Mark Aiton said in a statement. "There are now literally thousands of people who cut their triathlon teeth with the Tri For Fun, and they keep coming back, as well as take part with our other longer-distance triathlons throughout the year."

The Tri for Fun event is designed for beginner, novice and seasoned triathletes alike, organizers said.

The course features a 400-yard swim, 11-mile bike loop on flat streets and a 3.1-mile run along a rolling fire trail. It's not unusual to see a 9-year-old swimming, biking or running alongside a 78-year-old in the Tri for Fun, organizers said.

The three initial triathlons lead up to the Tri for Real event set on a longer course, with a 700-yard swim, 19-mile bike and 4-mile run. It is also professionally chip-timed for all participants. Timing is optional for Tri for Fun athletes.

New this year, organizers will crown a series champion -- who must be timed in all four events. The male and female winners will receive awards after the final race.

Tri for Fun events are scheduled for June 20, July 18 and Aug. 15, and the Tri for Real will be contested on Sept. 20.

Check-in and registration will begin at 5 a.m., with the first wave hitting the water at 7 a.m. Participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt, refreshments, snacks and entry into the raffle.

For registration costs and other event information, call On Your Mark Events at 209-795-7832 or visit its website, www.onyourmarkevents.com.